Why The Chicago Bulls Bulls Do The Deal

In 2020-21, the Chicago Bulls signaled their intention to win now at all costs. This trade has them following that trajectory.

Of course, one of the moves that signaled that intention was trading for Vucevic. Flipping him for the much younger Ayton could be regarded as a rebuilders’ move. That would be a mistaken perception: Ayton makes this team better now.

As mentioned, he’s a much better interior presence. Specifically, Ayton is a better rim protector, and he’s a better defender in space as well. Offensively, he’ll provide the Bulls with a much stronger pick-and-roll finisher.

Granted, he doesn’t space the floor like Vucevic. On the other hand, Vooch didn’t do a bang-up job with that in 2021-22 either. Of course, he’ll have an opportunity to return his three-point efficiency to its normal form in 2022-23.

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If the Bulls can have him trying to do so in Phoenix in order to acquire Ayton, they shouldn’t hesitate.